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Government of Bangladesh started the COVID-19 vaccination program throughout the country on 7 February. The program is being carried out in a planned manner. People across the country are taking the vaccine and expressing their satisfaction. Beximco Pharma has given the logistic support to the government in distributing the vaccine in 64 districts across the country.

According to the latest data, 2.08 million doses were given. As of 20 February, Bangladesh was holding the 11th position and was ahead of Canada, Spain and Poland.

Bangladesh’s achievement was taken by a surprise by many countries across the world that could not ensure any vaccine. Bangladesh unlike other countries approached the issue strategically and ensured the vaccine for its nationals. At first, country’s leading pharmaceutical company Beximco Pharma approached Serum Institute of India soon after it was given a license by AstraZeneca to produce the COVID-19 vaccine. Serum Institute holds the reputation of being the world’s largest vaccine producer. Under the license, Serum Institute is eligible of producing vaccine for developing countries of the world. Serum Institute needed to expand their production capacity, and asked Beximco Pharma to pay in advance. Beximco Pharma agreed to the condition and became the sole distributor.

Then, Beximco Pharma asked for the priority COVID-19 vaccines from Serum Institute. Serum Institute was in a commitment to provide the Indian government and COVAX Alliance with the first batch of the vaccines. Beximco Pharma demanded that Serum Institute should give vaccines to Bangladesh government on a priority basis as well. Serum Institute, at one point, demanded advance payment for this as well.

The request reached Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman F Rahman. The Prime Minister, being a visionary leader, straight away agreed to the condition and instructed Salman F Rahman to take initiatives. Salman F Rahman quite efficiently brought the concerned parties on the table. A contract was signed. The contract ensured that Serum Institute of India is obliged to provide the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh. And that is how Bangladesh got it so speedily when most of the countries around the world are still struggling.

Facts about Beximco Pharma's involvement in bringing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the country

Bangladesh not only guaranteed the vaccine, it made sure that the cost is not so much. Under the contract with Serum Institute of India, Bangladesh and India will pay the same price for vaccines. If price for Indian government is reduced, price for Bangladesh government will have to be reduced as well.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is a 'two-dose' vaccine. A good immune response kicks in within two weeks of getting the first dose. After the second dose immunity get even stronger. A report published in The Lancet said that primary analysis of the Phase III clinical trials from the UK, Brazil and South Africa had shown that AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective at preventing COVID-19. The report also mentioned that there were no severe cases even after 22 days of the test.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, also known as SAGE has issued recommendations for Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine use. Therefore it meets the WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration. According to them, this vaccine has a 63.09% efficacy against COVID-19. However, results demonstrated from tests done by AstraZeneca showed 76% efficacy after a first dose and 82% after the second dose. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was reviewed by the European Medicines Agency before getting approved for using. European Medicines Agency assessed safety and efficacy before approving it. They recommended that people aged 18 and above can take it.

Related article: Beximco Pharmaceuticals assists the government in transporting Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine